Furry angora rabbits bring rural county out of poverty

Zhang Xiaocui cuts rabbit hair at the farm. [Photo by Wu Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]

She also received 400 yuan in dividends for the year 2015. "If the market price of rabbit hair goes up, I will get more dividends," said Zhang with confidence.

"The price of rabbit hair was near historic lows last year at around 140 yuan per kg, but it has showed signs of a rebound," said Ding Shucai, director of poverty alleviation office of Laishui county, adding that the normal price stands at 240 yuan per kg.

The revenue of the rabbit hair sales has reached 2 million yuan in the last operation year, according to Ding.

Besides the rabbit farm, Baijian village has also built apple and walnut plantations as another main industry to lead its economy.

In 2015, net income per capita exceeded 4,500 yuan for Baijian villagers, surpassing that of the national standard for poverty-stricken counties which stands at 4,000 yuan.